Among the most low-key annoying transfer sagas of the summer was the one surrounding the future of Pedro Obiang at West Ham.
There were no twists and turns and the interested clubs didn’t exactly grab the imagination, meaning the weeks before the Equatorial Guinea eventually moved back to Italy weren’t particularly exciting, as Sassuolo eventually agreed to pay £7m for his services.
The midfielder has been an integral part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans since, starting 13 league games (17 appearances altogether) from a potential 20, scoring one goal and picking up an assist along the way.
He replied: “No, in fact. I was planning on staying in the Premier League for another couple of years, but then this offer from Sassuolo came, who strongly believed in me and that trust was sincerely very flattering”.
Prior to his move to Sassuolo, the 27-year-old had spent four years at West Ham following a £5.4m move from Sampdoria, during which he made 116 appearances for the Hammers, scored three goals and assisted teammates three times.
